System for determining, dispensing, and mixing blended composition for skin treatment

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided for providing a cosmetic composition to a user. The system includes an apparatus configured to dispense at least one cosmetic composition into a output container; a user interface configured to receive information about the user; and circuitry configured to receive the information about the user and determine one or more cosmetic compositions to be dispensed into the output container based on the information about the user received at the user interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 14/956,133 filedDec. 1, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Field

The disclosure herein generally relates to a system, apparatus, andmethod for determining a combination of booster compositions and basecompositions which can be blended and dispensed for a particular user toaddress a particular skin concern.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a system is provided for providing acosmetic composition to a user. The system includes an apparatusconfigured to dispense at least one cosmetic composition into a outputcontainer; a user interface configured to receive information about theuser; and circuitry configured to receive the information about the userand determine one or more cosmetic compositions to be dispensed into theoutput container based on the information about the user received at theuser interface.

According to an embodiment, the information about the user isinformation regarding the skin of the user.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to hold aplurality of cartridges which contain a respective plurality of cosmeticcompositions, and the circuitry is configured to receive informationregarding the current plurality of cosmetic compositions contained inthe apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the circuitry is configured to compare theinformation regarding the current plurality of cosmetic compositionscontained in the apparatus to one or more cosmetic compositions requiredto be dispensed into the output container based on the information aboutthe user, and to output information regarding any of the currentplurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus which needto be removed from the apparatus, and any of the one or more cosmeticcompositions required to be dispensed into the output container whichneed to be inserted into the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the information regarding the currentplurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus includesat least one of volume and expiration date information, and thecircuitry is configured to output information regarding any of thecurrent plurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatuswhich need to be removed or replaced based on the volume or expirationdate information.

According to an embodiment, the system further includes a printer,wherein the circuitry is configured to control the printer to print alabel describing at least one of an identifier of the user and thecontents of the output container after the one or more cosmeticcompositions are dispensed into the output container.

According to an embodiment, the user interface is implemented by aportable wireless device that communicates wirelessly with theapparatus.

According to an embodiment, the circuitry is configured to controlstorage data regarding the contents of the output container after theone or more cosmetic compositions are dispensed into the outputcontainer in association with information about the user at a memorylocated externally to the apparatus and the user interface device.

According to an embodiment, the circuitry is configured to controltransmission of an electronic message to a destination addresscorresponding to the user after the one or more cosmetic compositionsare dispensed into the output container.

According to an embodiment, a method implemented by a system is providedfor providing a cosmetic composition to a user, the system including anapparatus for dispensing at least one cosmetic composition into a outputcontainer, a user interface, and circuitry. The method includesreceiving, at the user interface, information about the user;determining, by the circuitry, one or more cosmetic compositions to bedispensed into the output container based on the information about theuser received at the user interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate different views of a blend apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2D show detailed views of a carousel in the blend apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show detailed views of an exemplary cartridge accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show a front view and a side view of adispenser in the blend apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the blend apparatus that includes a sensor thatsenses a cartridge position according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a detailed view of the mixer 130 according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the hardware included in the apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a process or algorithm performed by theblend apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a sub-process or algorithm for determining acurrent set of booster or base compositions in the blend apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a process or algorithm for controlling thecarousel to move the cartridges to the dispenser according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11A shows an example of a process or algorithm for dispensing thecomposition from a cartridge into the output container according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11B shows an example of a process or algorithm performed forcontrolling the mixing process by the mixer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an overall system which implements the blend apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a process performed by the system according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show an output screen of an information processingapparatus following a skin diagnosis in the system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an output screen where a skin diagnosis isnot performed in the system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of base composition which will be included in the recipeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of texture of the blended composition between a lighttexture or a rich texture according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of fragrance which will be included in the recipeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a set of rules used to determine thespecific recipe according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a process or algorithm for determining the recipeaccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show a detailed flowchart which provides an example ofhow an end-to-end process may proceed using the system according to anembodiment.

Like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a blend apparatus 100 for dispensing and mixing a cosmeticcomposition according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1A of a rear view of the blend apparatus 100, theapparatus includes a carousel 110 that acts as a cartridge holder forholding cartridges 120. The apparatus further includes a mixer 130 thatis disposed on a platform 140. The platform 140 is disposed such thatthe carousel 110 is rotatable around a circumference of the platform140. The apparatus further includes a housing that includes outer panels150, and a top panel (not shown) acts as an access door that opens andcloses using hinge 155.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of the apparatus 100, and shows that theapparatus 100 further includes a dispenser 140. The dispenser 140includes a dispensing motor 142 and a dispensing plunger 144. Theapparatus further includes a container receiving area 150 disposed belowthe dispenser 140, which includes a base plate 152 and a containerholder 152 for holding the container 154.

FIG. 1C shows additional details of the apparatus 100, such as a maincircuitry board 170, a wireless interface 172, a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) interface 174, and a Power Supply 176. In anon-limiting example, the wireless interface 172 may be a Bluetoothinterface, but it may also be a different type of wireless interface asunderstood to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 2A-2D show detailed views of the carousel 110. As shown in FIG.2A, the carousel includes different slots 210 and 212 for receiving thecartridges. The slots 210 are sized to receive the cartridges which holda booster composition. The slot 212 is sized to receive a cartridge thatholds a base composition, such as a serum base or a cream base. It canbe seen that the slot 212 is larger than slot 210 since the cartridgefor the base composition is set to be larger than the cartridge for thebooster composition in view of the increased volume and frequency of usefor the base composition. FIG. 2A further shows that the carouselincludes wheels 214 which are configured to move along a track definedby circular edge 216. Additionally, a center portion 218 attaches theinterior section of the carousel 110 to a motor shown on FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2B shows the carousel motor 220 which operates to rotate atransmitting gear 222, which in turn moves a receiving gear 224 that isattached to the center portion 218 of the carousel.

FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of the carousel 110. FIG. 2C shows aposition of the NFC interface with respect to the cartridge 120 which isin a booster slot. The NFC interface is positioned to be very close tothe cartridge since NFC interface has a maximum communication distanceof 4 cm on average. To account for the extra size of the base cartridge304 (shown in FIG. 3B), the NFC interface is attached to a spring-biasedattachment arm 226 which allows the NFC to flexibly adjust position whenthe carousel moves and the NFC interface is contacted by the basecartridge 304. With this configuration, the NFC interface will remainclose to either a booster cartridge or a base cartridge that ispositioned adjacent to the NFC interface regardless of the sizedifference of the cartridges.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show detailed views of an exemplary cartridge that isdisposed in the receiving area 210 or 212 of the carousel 110. FIG. 3Ashows a booster cartridge 302 which includes a body portion 320, an airnozzle 322, and a top cover 324 which includes a movable disk 326 whichis configured to move down the shaft of the body portion 320 whendepressed by the dispensing plunger 144. FIG. 3B shows a base cartridge304, which has similar components as the booster cartridge 302 but witha larger width for handling a larger volume.

Each cartridge has an NFC tag 330 that is initialized when the cartridgeis filled. In one example, the NFC tag is adhered to a syringe withinthe cartridge. The cartridge is actually composed of a sheath thatcovers this syringe to hide visually the NFC tag and ensure it's wellorientated. Every time the access panel of the apparatus 100 is openedand then closed, a scan is performed on each of the NFC tags of anycartridges inserted into the slots 210 or 212. After the NFC interfaceruns the scan, the apparatus will then learn for each cartridge:

-   -   Ingredient id    -   Lot number of ingredient    -   Expiration date    -   Volume

Additionally, after the dispensing operation is performed, the volumewill be updated by WRITING on the NFC a new volume (based on subtractingthe volume dispensed from the old volume).

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show a front view and a side view of thedispenser 140, which includes the dispensing motor 142 and dispensingplunger 144. The dispensing motor 144 receives a signal from the CPUwhen the carousel moves a cartridge into the dispensing region. Thedispensing motor activates to rotate transmitting spindle 402 whichcauses rotation of receiving spindle 406 through coupling by transferbelt 404. Rotation of spindle 406 moves disk 408 (shown behind thetelescoping portion 410) downward since the disk 408 is attached to thespindle 406 by a screw and thread mechanism 422 (see FIG. 4B). The disk408 is attached to a moving platform 414 which is designed to move upand down shafts 416 as disk 408 is moved up and down. The shafts areattached to a fixed platform 420. In the foreground of FIG. 4A, atelescoping portion 410 and the plunger 144 is attached to each side ofthe platform 414 of the dispenser 140. The top portion of thetelescoping portion 410 is attached to the fixed platform 418 which alsosupports the motor 142. When the moving platform 414 is moved up anddown as described above, the plunger 144 is moved up and down and thetelescoping portion 410 contracts or expands accordingly.

In one example, one of the cartridges 520 is detected to be moved into aproper position beneath the dispenser 140 by using a sensor 502 shown inFIG. 5. The sensor 502 may be an inductive sensor which detects avariation in the metal plate 504, which is a thin, metal strip beneaththe carousel as shown in FIG. 5. The variation in the metal plate 504may be a hole in the metal plate.

In one example, the inductive sensor on the carousel 510 only detects anoriginal position of the carousel (the “HOME” position), and the motorstep count on the drive gear 506, driven by the motor 508 and movingaround a bearing 512, is reliable and repeatable enough to preciselymove to booster/base positions from the HOME position. In anotherexample, there is a variation, or hole, in the metal plate representingwhen each booster or base has moved into the dispensing area or at apoint of detection of the NFC interface. A sensitivity of the sensor 502may be adjusted by sensitivity adjustment screw 514.

The CPU is configured to detect when a target volume is reached with aclosed loop using a load cell. The load cell (not shown) is disposedunder the container holder 152. The load cell measures the actual volumedispensed by weighing the container holder being filled and causes asignal to be transmitted to the dispensing motor to cause the plunger toretract as soon as volume is reached. Additionally, the plunger willtravel quickly down until it reaches the cartridge then slow downbecause there is a sensor (not shown) on the plunger able to detect ametal ring placed on the cartridge.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a detailed view of the mixer 130 serving to mix thebooster composition(s) and base composition located in a container,comprising a mixing side where a carrier 610 holds the container and abalancing side which includes a counterweight 620. A rotating carrier630 extends across the balancing side A and the mixing side M. A drivemotor 640 serves to drive the carrier 630 via a drive shaft 645.

On the mixing side, the carrier 610 is a rotating carrier which isdriven by way of a drive shaft 650 shown in FIG. 6B to rotate thecontainer along an axis that is disposed at an angle with respect to theangle of rotation of the rotating carrier 630. FIGS. 6A and 6B show thata belt 660 couples the rotation by the driver motor 640 to drive thecarrier 610 at the above-mentioned angle with the assistance of thepulley mechanism 665. Therefore, a separate motor is not required torotate the carrier 610 along the drive shaft 650.

The mixer is attached to the platform 140 by connectors 670 and platform680.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the hardware included in the apparatus.A central processing unit (CPU) 710 provides primary control over theseparate circuitry components included in the apparatus, such as thecarousel motor control circuitry 720, the NFC Interface 730, thedispenser control circuitry 740 (which includes the dispensing motorcontrol circuitry and the inductive sensor circuitry), the load cellconditioning circuitry 750, the mixer control circuitry 760. The CPU 710also controls an optional input/output device (such as a keyboard ormouse), a memory 780, the wireless communication interface circuitry774, a universal serial bus (USB) controller 776, a LED driver 778, anda display module 780. The LED driver controls the pulsing of one or moreLEDs that illuminate the container holder 152.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or morecomputing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a quantumprocessor, qubit processor, etc.), a central processing unit (CPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, orany combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analogcircuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In anembodiment, a module includes one or more ASICs having a plurality ofpredefined logic components. In an embodiment, a module includes one ormore FPGAs, each having a plurality of programmable logic components.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more components operablycoupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically,ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically, capacitivelycoupled, wirelessly coupled, or the like) to each other. In anembodiment, circuitry includes one or more remotely located components.In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled, forexample, via wireless communication. In an embodiment, remotely locatedcomponents are operably coupled, for example, via one or morecommunication modules, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, or thelike.

In an embodiment, any of the CPU 710 or other components shown in FIG. 7may be substituted with alternative circuitry elements. Examples ofcircuitry includes memory that, for example, stores instructions orinformation. Non-limiting examples of memory include volatile memory(e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM),or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like), persistent memory, or thelike. Further non-limiting examples of memory include ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. In anembodiment, memory is coupled to, for example, one or more computingdevices by one or more instructions, information, or power buses.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more computer-readable mediadrives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory cardslots, or the like, and one or more input/output components such as, forexample, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, atrackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, a dial, or thelike, and any other peripheral device. In an embodiment, a moduleincludes one or more user input/output components that are operablycoupled to at least one computing device configured to control(electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) atleast one parameter associated with, for example, determining one ormore tissue thermal properties responsive to detected shifts in turn-ONvoltage.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes a computer-readable media drive ormemory slot that is configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g.,computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, orthe like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to executeany of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, acomputer-readable recording medium, a signal-bearing medium, or thelike. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include a recordabletype medium such as a magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, aCompact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digitaltape, a computer memory, or the like, as well as transmission typemedium such as a digital or an analog communication medium (e.g., afiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wirelesscommunication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver,transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further non-limitingexamples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to,DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD,CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs, Super Video Discs, flashmemory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memorycard, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory,web server, or the like.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes acoustic transducers,electroacoustic transducers, electrochemical transducers,electromagnetic transducers, electromechanical transducers,electrostatic transducers, photoelectric transducers, radioacoustictransducers, thermoelectric transducers, or ultrasonic transducers.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes electrical circuitry operablycoupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectriccrystal, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.) In anembodiment, circuitry includes electrical circuitry having at least onediscrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneintegrated circuit, or electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit. In an embodiment, circuitryincludes electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, readonly, etc.)), electrical circuitry forming a communications device(e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment,etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical orother analogs.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a process or algorithm controlled by thecircuitry of the blend apparatus 100. After the start of the process, atstep 810, a recipe is received from memory. At step 820, the circuitrydetermines if the correct cartridges are installed. If the correctcartridges are inserted, the process moves to step 840, otherwise atstep 830 the apparatus outputs a message to the user indicating that thecorrect cartridges need to be inserted. At step 840, the carousel iscontrolled to move the first cartridge in the recipe to the dispenser.In step 850, the dispenser is controlled to dispense the required volumeof the composition in the cartridge according to the recipe. At step860, the circuitry determines if additional cartridges are required forthe recipe. If the determination is “Yes” at 860, then the at step 870,the process proceeds with moving the next cartridge in the recipe to thedispenser and the process proceeds from step 850. If “No” at step 860,the process ends.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a sub-process or algorithm performed by thecircuitry of the apparatus 100 for determining a current set of boosteror base compositions in the apparatus 100. At step 910, a recipe isreceived from memory. At step 920, the circuitry checks the currentcartridges stored in the carousel. At step 930, the circuitry determinesif the current cartridges stored in the carousel include all of thecartridges required for the received recipe. If this determination is“No” then a message is outputted to the user at step 940 to request theuser to insert the required cartridges. If the determination is “Yes”then the sub-process ends, and the circuitry will proceed with a processof moving the cartridges to the dispenser.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a process or algorithm performed by thecircuitry of the apparatus 100 for controlling the carousel to move thecartridges to the dispenser as a sub-process of the overall method. Atstep 1010, the carousel is controlled to move a first (or next)cartridge in the recipe to the dispenser. At step 1020, a dispensesub-process (as shown in FIG. 11) is executed. At step 1030, thecircuitry determines if additional recipe elements are in the recipe. Ifthis determination is “Yes” then the process repeats at step 1010. Ifthis determination is “No” then the process ends. At this point, theapparatus may output a message to the user indicating that thecomposition corresponding to the recipe has been completely dispensedinto to the container.

FIG. 11A shows an example of a process or algorithm performed by thecircuitry for dispensing the composition from a cartridge into theoutput container. At step 1110, the circuitry receives a signalindicating the cartridge is in position at the dispenser. At step 1120,the circuitry controls the dispenser motor to move the plunger downwardaccording to the specified volume of the recipe element. As describedabove, an indication of the volume may be provided by a load celldisposed in the cartridge or in the carousel, and circuitry will learnfrom the load cell when the target volume has been dispensed at step1130. At this point, in step 1140, the circuitry will control thedispenser motor to stop and/or reverse the dispenser plunger movement,thus ending the dispensing sub-process.

FIG. 11B shows an example of a process or algorithm performed forcontrolling the mixing process by the mixer 140. At step 1150, after auser of the blend apparatus 100 has inserted the output container intothe mixer carrier and closed the access panel, the circuitry receives astart signal for activating the mixer. At step 1160, the circuitrycontrols the mixer motor to rotate the carrier at a predetermined speedfor a predetermined time. For example, such a speed may be 1200 RPM or2000 RPM, and a predetermined time may be 30 seconds or 60 seconds. Atstep 1170, when the predetermined time has been reached (or a stopsignal is manually input by the user), the circuitry stops the mixermotor. At step 1180, the circuitry controls the display module 780 tooutput a message indicating that mixing is complete and the process thenends.

FIG. 12 shows a system 1200 which implements the apparatus 100 describedabove. As shown in FIG. 12, the system includes at least the apparatus100, an information processing apparatus 1210, and a printer 1220.Optionally, the system may further include one or more external serverdevices or information processing apparatuses 1230 which are implementedas part of a cloud-computing environment. Furthermore, the system mayoptionally include inventory 1240 which is an inventory for boostercompositions and base compositions to be inserted into the apparatus100.

The information processing apparatus 1210 may be a personal computer(PC), a laptop computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a smartphone, a tablet device, a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer), anet-book, or a notebook type personal computer. In the below examples,the information processing apparatus 1210 is assumed to be a tabletdevice, such as an Apple iPad.

The printer 1220 may be any type of printing device or image formingdevice as understood in the art which has the capability of printing alabel. In the below examples, the printing device is assumed to be alabel printer, such as the Wireless Brother PTP750 W.

Each of the information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220are capable of performing wireless communication with the apparatus 100by way of the Bluetooth interface on the apparatus 100. However, each ofthe information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220 are alsocapable of having a wired connection to the apparatus 100 by way of theUSB interface on the apparatus 100. Additionally, each device, includingthe apparatus 100, may communicate with each other and the external oneor more devices through an internet connection via an 802.11 wirelessconnection to a wireless internet access point, or a physical connectionto the internet access point, such as through an Ethernet interface.Each of the information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220are capable of performing wireless communication with each other througha Bluetooth connection or other wireless means as well.

The information processing apparatus 1210 is configured to receiveinformation about a user for use in generating a recipe that will beused by the apparatus 100 to dispense a composition into the outputcontainer. The information processing apparatus 1210 may be operated bya “beauty advisor” (BA) working at the retail store that sells thedispensed composition to the customer user. However, the informationprocessing apparatus 1210 can also be operated directly by the customeruser.

A process performed by the system 1200 is shown on FIG. 13. In step1310, the information processing apparatus 1210 receives information,which will be described in more detail below, about or from the userwhich will be used to determine the recipe for creating theuser-specific blend that will be dispensed into the output container. Instep 1320, a recipe is determined that includes one or more cosmeticcompositions to be mixed to address the User's priorities. Thisdetermination may be performed by the circuitry of the informationprocessing apparatus 1210, but it also may be determined in conjunctionwith or on another device all together. For instance, the informationprocessing apparatus 1210 may provide the information received in step1310 to the external server device 1230, and the circuitry of theexternal server device will determine the recipe. Alternatively, theinformation may be provided directly to the blend apparatus 100 whichwill determine the recipe. The final determined recipe will be outputtedfor display on the information processing apparatus 1210. In step 1330,the recipe determined in step 1320 will be provided to the blendapparatus 1330 over a wired or wireless connection, such as theBluetooth connection, that exists between the information processingapparatus 1210 and the blend apparatus. The blend apparatus 100 willdispense the appropriate compositions according to the recipe into theoutput container and mix the blended composition as described in detailabove. In step 1340, the printer 1220 will receive information on theuser identification information and the blended composition in theoutput containter, and will print a label to be placed on the outputcontainer accordingly. The printer may receive this information from theblend apparatus 100, the information processing apparatus 1210, or theexternal server 1230. In step 1350, the user is notified that theblended composition is completed and ready for pick-up. Thisnotification may come from either the information processing apparatus1210, the apparatus 100, or the external server 1230, and thenotification may be in the form of an e-mail to an e-mail address of theuser that is stored in the system, or it could also be in the form of anSMS text message.

In a non-limiting example, the information processing apparatus 1210 isconfigured to output a series of questions to the user to collectinformation about the user for generating the recipe. However,alternative embodiments are also available in which the user entersinformation directly into appropriate fields displayed on theinformation processing apparatus 1210 without being prompted bydisplayed questions in order to input the information into theinformation processing apparatus 1210.

The information processing apparatus 1210 collects biographicalinformation about the user, such as name, age, skin tone, or any otherinformation which may be used to generate a profile of the user. Forgenerating a recipe of the user, a series of questions or fields arepresented to the user to generate preferences on types of skinconditions the user would like to address through the compositiondispensed by the apparatus 100.

In addition to a questionnaire, an optional skin diagnosis may beperformed by a skin diagnosis application as is known in the art.

Based on the responses to these questions, field entries, or skindiagnosis, the information processing apparatus 1210 will generate therecipe of booster and base compositions to be dispensed by the apparatus100.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show an output screen of the information processingapparatus 1210 following a skin diagnosis. In this embodiment, the skindiagnosis (sometimes referred herein as a skin profile) determines themain concerns of the user based on an imaging operation performed on theuser's face. The diagnosis may determine scores for categories ofconcern, such as, for example: skin dullness, sensitive skin, tone,wrinkles, or oily skin. Different devices for performing the skindiagnosis are readily understood in the art, such as the Lancome DiagnosABS, HR Skinscope, Biotherm Bluesmart, Kiehl's Skinprofiler V.0, CADermanalyzer, and the Vichy Vichyconsult.

A three tiered weighting system is shown in FIG. 14A, where weights of“high”, “low” and “medium” may be assigned to each area of concern bythe skin diagnosis.

Each area of concern will then be available for selection to beaddressed in the recipe. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14A, a checkmark is used to indicate a selection of an area of concern. As shown inFIG. 14A, the information processing apparatus may include a defaultselection of an area of “high” concern found in the skin diagnosis (suchas “dullness” in this particular example). FIG. 14B then shows a userindicated selection of additional areas of concern which the userdesires to be inputted into the recipe. In this particular non-limitingexample, a maximum of 3 active booster compositions may be selected.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an output screen where a skin diagnosis isnot performed, and the user directly indicates their concerns to beinputted into the information processing apparatus for contribution tothe generation of the recipe.

In a non-limiting example, there are five different booster compositionsavailable for inclusion into the recipe.

A first booster composition is an “anti-aging” booster which addressesconcerns such as skin sagging, lack of firmness, lines and wrinkles.Examples of such an anti-aging booster include retinol, retinolderivatives, ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS BARK EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED RHODOPHYCEAEXTRACT, HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT, PSEUDOALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT,MANILKARA MULTINERVIS LEAF EXTRACT, LAVANDULA HYBRIDA OIL, GRIFOLAFRONDOSA FRUITING BODY EXTRACT, PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA LEAF EXTRACT,CYATHEA MEDULLARIS LEAF EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, MALUSDOMESTICA FRUIT CELL CULTURE EXTRACT, RESVERATROL, SALICYLOYLPHYTOSPHINGOSINE)

A second booster composition is an “oily skin and imperfections boosterwhich addresses concerns such as clogged pores, acne, blackhead, andshiny or greasy skin. Examples of such a booster include LENS ESCULENTA(LENTIL) SEED EXTRACT, SARCOSINE, PEUMUS BOLDUS LEAF EXTRACT, CRITHMUMMARITIMUM EXTRACT, NIACINAMIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINEETHANE SULFONIC ACID, SPIRAEA ULMARIA EXTRACT, PENTAERYTHRITYLTETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE).

A third booster composition is a “dullness and dryness” booster whichaddresses concerns such as rough, dull, and dry skin. Examples of such abooster include HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOTEXTRACT, CHENOPODIUM QUINOA SEED EXTRACT, TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM,XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE (and) ANHYDROXYLITOL (and) XYLITOL, CERAMIDEderivatives, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES,MYRISTYL MALATE PHOSPHONIC ACID, MANNOSE,2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL).

A fourth booster composition is a “tone” booster which addressesconcerns such as uneven tone, spots, and pigmentation. Examples of sucha booster include ACETYL TRIFLUOROMETHYLPHENYL VALYLGLYCINE, Ascorbicacid and derivatives, PHENYLETHYL RESORCINOL, DIOSCOREA VILLOSA (WILDYAM) ROOT EXTRACT, HYDROXYPHENOXY PROPIONIC ACID, HYDROXYPALMITOYLSPHINGANINE, FERULIC ACID, SUCROSE DILAURATE (and) PISUM SATIVUIVI (PEA)EXTRACT, SACCHAROMYCES/XYLINUM/BLACK TEA FERMENT, NELUIVIBO NUCIFERAFLOWER EXTRACT).

A fifth booster composition is a “sensitive skin” booster whichaddresses concerns such as redness, blotchy skin, and allergies.Examples of such a booster include MADECASSOSIDE, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE,PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-8, PANTHENOL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT,MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT,DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-1 CETYL ESTER, ACETYLTETRAPEPTIDE-15, BOSWELLIA SERRATA EXTRACT, SODIUM PALMITOYL PROLINE(and) NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT).

FIG. 16 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of base composition which will be included in the recipe.The selection in this example is between a cream base or a serum base.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of texture of the blended composition between a lighttexture or a rich texture. The selection of a light texture or a richtexture is a selection of what specific type of base composition will beused once the user has decided between a cream base or a serum base. Asunderstood in the art, there are different types of cream bases, whereone may be a light texture, such as convention oil-in-water emulsioncream with sugar esters as the primary emulsifier, and another may havea rich texture, such as water-in-oil emulsion cream with emulsifyingsilicone elastomer (KSG210) as the primary emulsifier. Similarly, anexample of a light texture serum is one that is more watery uponapplication, such as emulsified gel with sodium hyaluronate. An exampleof a serum with rich texture is one that has good spreadability, such asemulsified gel with high concentrations of non-emulsifying siliconeelastomer.

FIG. 18 shows an example of an output screen for prompting the user toselect a type of fragrance which will be included in the recipe betweena clean scent, anti-aging scent, hydrating scent, or no scent. Thesetypes of fragrance booster compositions are readily understood in theart based on a combination of a perfume and a solvent base.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a set of rules used to determine thespecific recipe for the user based on the priorities or concernsdetermined above. As shown in FIG. 19, it can be seen that in thisexample, out of the total blended composition, 90% will be made up ofthe base composition, and 10% will be made of the booster composition,with 1% being used for the fragrance booster. The individual remainingboosters will be used in multiples of 3% of the total blendedcomposition. If only one skin concern is received as a top priority,then all 9% (3*3%) will be for the same booster.

If two skin concerns are given top priority, then there are two casesdepending on the relative weight given to each of the two skin concerns.If the two skin concerns have the same weight, then a single 3% shoteach of booster will be added to the recipe while an additional 3% shotof the base composition will be added as well. If one of the two skinconcerns has a higher weight, then 6% (2*3%) will be used for thebooster corresponding to the higher weighted skin concern, and 3% willbe used for the booster corresponding to the lower weighted skinconcern.

If three skin concerns are given top priority, then a single 3% shot ofeach booster corresponding to each skin concern will be added to therecipe.

FIG. 20 shows a process or algorithm performed by the circuitry of theinformation processing apparatus for determining the recipe, as acombination of allocated percentages of the selected base composition,selected fragrance booster, and one or more booster compositionscorresponding to the user's top priorities.

In step 2010, the circuitry receives a selection of the base compositionand the fragrance booster and allocates predetermined percentages of theoverall blended composition recipe to each of these selectionsrespectively. In the set of rules shown in FIG. 19, an example is givenin which the predetermined percentage allocated to the base compositionis 90% and the predetermined percentage allocated to the fragrancebooster is 1%.

In step 2012, the circuitry receives the number N of top priority skinconcerns of the user, and also optionally receives a weightcorresponding to each of the top priority skin concerns, such as high,medium, or low. If the number of top priority skin concerns is one, thenthe process proceeds to step 2014, where the circuitry determines thatall of the remaining percentage of the blended composition recipe, aftersubtracting the percent already allocated to the base composition andthe fragrance booster, is to be allocated to the booster compositionwhich corresponds to the one top priority concern. As shown in theexample set of rules in FIG. 19, when N=1 would result in 9% (3*3%)being allocated to the one top priority booster composition

Alternatively, if N=3, the process proceeds to step 2016. In this step,the circuitry determines that the remaining percentage of the blendedcomposition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated tothe base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be divided equallyto the booster composition corresponding to each of the three toppriority concerns. As shown in the example set of rules in FIG. 19, whenN=3 would result in 3% of each of the top priority booster compositionsbeing allocated to the recipe.

Alternatively, N=2, the process proceeds to step 2018, where a furtherdetermination is made as to whether one of the two top priority concernshas a higher weight than the other top priority concern.

If each of the top priority concerns has an equal weight (such as bothhaving a “medium” weight), then the process proceeds to step 2020, wherethe circuitry determines that the remaining percentage of the blendedcomposition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated tothe base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be allocated inequal portions to the booster composition corresponding to each of thetwo top priority concerns and the base composition. As shown in theexample set of rules in FIG. 19, this would correspond to case A, whereeach of the top priority boosters receives 3% allocation, and theremaining 3% is allocated to an extra shot of the base composition.Thus, in this scenario, the base composition actually takes up 93% ofthe total blended composition recipe.

If one of the two top priority concerns from step 2018 has a higherweight than the other top priority concern, then the process proceeds tostep 2022, where the circuitry determines that that the remainingpercentage of the blended composition recipe, after subtracting thepercent already allocated to the base composition and the fragrancebooster, is to be allocated such that a predetermined majority ofportion amounts is allocated to the higher priority booster, and apredetermined lesser amount is allocated to the lower priority booster.In the example of FIG. 19, this would mean that the higher prioritybooster receives a 6% (2*3%) allocation, and the lower priority boosterreceives a 3% allocation.

After the final allocated percentages of the selected base composition,selected fragrance booster, and one or more booster compositionscorresponding to the user's top priorities are determined, the processends and a final recipe has been determined. The final recipe can thenbe transmitted and/or stored to the blend apparatus 100. As mentionedabove, the circuitry of the information processing apparatus, theexternal server, or the blend apparatus 100 may perform the processshown in FIG. 20.

Additionally, a different alogorithm may be utilized than the algorithmof FIG. 20 for determining the recipe. For instance, an algorithm may beutilized in which two main concerns are determined. Based on atwo-dimension table with the first concerns on the X-axis and the secondconcerns on the Y-axis, a base is determined by the intersection of thetwo concerns in the table. After that, a questionnaire may be given tothe consumer with a mix of diagnostic & lifestyle questions. Eachpositive answer to a question will be translated by a dose of a portionof one booster added to the recipe. Depending the number of boosters,the base volume will be adjusted between 100% and 90% of the totalvolume of the recipe.

At this point, the blend apparatus performs the process shown in FIG. 9,in which the current cartridges inserted in the carousel are checkedagainst the base and booster cartridges required for the receivedrecipe. If the required cartridges are not inserted, then the blendapparatus outputs a message (for example, on the display module 780)which informs a user of the blend apparatus (such as the beautyadvisor—BA) that the correct cartridges need to be inserted. As shown inFIG. 12, the BA may then retrieve the required cartridges from theinventory 1240 and insert the correct cartridges into the blendapparatus. During this process, when the top access panel of the blendapparatus 100 is opened and closed, the blend apparatus will perform ascan, using the NFC interface, to determine the currently installedcartridges. If the correct cartridges are installed, then the processesshown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be performed to dispense and mix theblended composition.

A detailed flowchart is shown in FIG. 21 which provides an example ofhow an end-to-end process may proceed using the system 1200 shown inFIG. 12.

A first sub-process 2101 is performed by the Beauty Advisory (BA) on thetablet device 1210 in which the BA will input registration informationif the BA is logging in for the first time, otherwise the BA will inputpre-existing login information. Then, a sub-process 2102 will beperformed on the tablet 1210 in which the customer will inputregistration information if the customer is logging in for the firsttime, otherwise the customer will input pre-existing login information.Next, the a choice of a type of blend will be inputted into the tablet1210 at step 2103. Either an automatic blend will be generated, a manualblend will be inputted, or a pre-existing recipe will be selected. Whenan automatic blend is selected, the process moves to 2104, where a skindiagnosis is performed. The skin diagnosis is performed by any one ofthe tools discussed above to identify areas of concern for the user asdescribed above. After the results of the skin diagnosis are outputted,the BA will question the customer at step 2015 to determine the top skinconcerns (priorities). Based on the top skin priorities, the recipe forthe blend will be determined at step 2106. If the manual blend or apre-existing recipe is selected at sub-process 2103, then theseselections proceed directly to step 2106.

After the recipe for the blend is determined, the recipe is sent to theApparatus/Machine 100 where the ingredients for the recipe are checkedat step 2107. If the ingredients are ok, then the apparatus/machine 100prompts the BA to put the jar (output container) into the dispensingarea (2108), and then at step 2109 the process of blending anddispensing the ingredients into the output container is performed. Ifthere is an error in the ingredient checking process, such as anincorrect base or booster cartridge being inserted in the apparatus 100,a low volume in one of the base or booster cartridges, an expired baseor booster cartridge, or a missing base or booster cartridge, then theapparatus/machine 100 prompts the BA to correct the error at step 2110.

At step 2111, the dispensing process is underway. At step 2112, thedispensing may undergo an error due to a lock-up in one of theprocesses, or the primary lid being open. If there is an error duringthe dispensing process, the apparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA tocorrect the error at step 2113. If the dispensing process proceedswithout an error (OK at 2112), then the BA will be notified thatdispensing is complete and the BA will be prompted to close thejar/output container and place the jar into the mixer at step 2114. Oncethe output container is placed into the mixer, and after the accesspanel is closed, the BA will start the mixer at step 2115.Simultaneously, or after the mixing step is completed, the tablet 1210will retrieve consumer information (2116), such as an e-mail address,and transmit an instruction to the printer (2117) to print a label forthe jar/output container.

At step 2118, the dispensing process is underway. At step 2119, themixing may checked to determine if there is an error due to the primarylid being open. If there is an error during the mixing process, theapparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA to correct the error at step2120. If the mixing process proceeds without an error (OK at 2119), thenthe mixing is complete and the output container is ready.

At step 2121, the printing may checked to determine if there is an errordue to a failed connection to the printer, the printer being off, theprinter is low on ink, or there is no printing medium (such as labels)inserted. If there is an error during the printing process, theapparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA to correct the error at step2122. If the printing process proceeds without an error (OK at 2121),then the printing is complete.

When both the mixing and the printing is complete, then the finalproduct is considered to be ready (2123). At this point, the tablet 1210transmits an e-mail (or a text message) to the user based on theretrieved consumer information to notify the user that the final productis ready for pick-up. Additionally, a record of the final product inassociation with the consumer is transmitted to external device 1230(i.e., posted to the “cloud”), and the process is complete.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimedinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing a cosmetic composition toa user, comprising: an apparatus configured to dispense at least onecosmetic composition into a output container; a user interfaceconfigured to receive information about the user regarding a pluralityof predetermined different types of skin issues the user seeks toaddress regarding the skin of the user and priority levels regarding theplurality of different types of skin issues the user seeks to address;and circuitry configured to receive the information about the user anddetermine one or more cosmetic compositions to be dispensed into theoutput container based on the information about the user received at theuser interface, the priority levels, and a predetermined set of rulesfor combining the one or more cosmetic compositions to address differentcombinations of the predetermined different types of skin issues and toaddress different combinations of priority levels, wherein the apparatusis configured to hold a plurality of cartridges which contain arespective plurality of cosmetic compositions and the predetermineddifferent types of skin issues are automatically addressed based on aplurality of different predetermined combinations of set amounts of oneor more of the cosmetic compositions, wherein when one of the differenttypes of skin issues is prioritized over other types of skin issues, aset amount of a cosmetic composition used to address the prioritizedskin issue is automatically multiplied by a factor that varies based onhow many total different types of skin issues the user seeks tosimultaneously address.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein theinformation about the user is information regarding the skin of theuser.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to compare the information regarding the current plurality ofcosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus to one or more cosmeticcompositions required to be dispensed into the output container based onthe information about the user, and to output information regarding anyof the current plurality of cosmetic compositions contained in theapparatus which need to be removed from the apparatus, and any of theone or more cosmetic compositions required to be dispensed into theoutput container which need to be inserted into the apparatus.
 4. Thesystem according to claim 3, wherein the information regarding thecurrent plurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatusincludes at least one of volume and expiration date information, and thecircuitry is configured to output information regarding any of thecurrent plurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatuswhich need to be removed or replaced based on the volume or expirationdate information.
 5. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a printer, wherein the circuitry is configured to controlthe printer to print a label describing at least one of an identifier ofthe user and the contents of the output container after the one or morecosmetic compositions are dispensed into the output container.
 6. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is implementedby a portable wireless device that communicates wirelessly with theapparatus.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to control storage data regarding the contents of the outputcontainer after the one or more cosmetic compositions are dispensed intothe output container in association with information about the user at amemory located externally to the apparatus and the user interfacedevice.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry isconfigured to control transmission of an electronic message to adestination address corresponding to the user after the one or morecosmetic compositions are dispensed into the output container.
 9. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured toreceive information about preferred characteristics of the compositiondispensed into the output container including information on at least apreferred fragrance, and wherein the predetermined rules includeallocating a set percentage of the total dispensed formulation to abooster cartridge for providing the preferred fragrance.
 10. A method,implemented by a system, for providing a cosmetic composition to a user,the system including an apparatus for dispensing at least one cosmeticcomposition as a total dispensed formulation into a output container, auser interface, and circuitry, the method comprising: receiving, at theuser interface, information about the user regarding a plurality ofpredetermined different types of skin issues the user seeks to addressregarding the skin of the user and priority levels regarding theplurality of different types of skin issues the user seeks to addressand to address different combinations of priority levels; and receiving,by the circuitry, the information about the user and determining one ormore cosmetic compositions to be dispensed into the output containerbased on the information about the user received at the user interface,the priority levels, and a predetermined set of rules for combining theone or more cosmetic compositions to address different combinations ofthe predetermined different types of skin issues, wherein the apparatusis configured to hold a plurality of cartridges which contain arespective plurality of cosmetic compositions and the predetermineddifferent types of skin issues are automatically addressed based on aplurality of different predetermined combinations of set amounts of oneor more of the cosmetic compositions, wherein when one of the differenttypes of skin issues is prioritized over other types of skin issues, aset amount of a cosmetic composition used to address the prioritizedskin issue is automatically multiplied by a factor that varies based onhow many total different types of skin issues the user seeks tosimultaneously address.
 11. The method according to claim 10, whereinthe information about the user is information regarding the skin of theuser.
 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising comparingthe information regarding the current plurality of cosmetic compositionscontained in the apparatus to one or more cosmetic compositions requiredto be dispensed into the output container based on the information aboutthe user, and outputting information regarding any of the currentplurality of cosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus which needto be removed from the apparatus, and any of the one or more cosmeticcompositions required to be dispensed into the output container whichneed to be inserted into the apparatus.
 13. The method according toclaim 12, wherein the information regarding the current plurality ofcosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus includes at least oneof volume and expiration date information, and the method includesoutputting information regarding any of the current plurality ofcosmetic compositions contained in the apparatus which need to beremoved or replaced based on the volume or expiration date information.14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: controlling aprinter to print a label describing at least one of an identifier of theuser and the contents of the output container after the one or morecosmetic compositions are dispensed into the output container.
 15. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the user interface is implementedby a portable wireless device that communicates wirelessly with theapparatus.
 16. The method according to claim 10, further comprisingcontrolling storage of data regarding the contents of the outputcontainer after the one or more cosmetic compositions are dispensed intothe output container in association with information about the user at amemory located externally to the apparatus and the user interfacedevice.
 17. The method according to claim 10, further comprisingcontrolling transmission of an electronic message to a destinationaddress corresponding to the user after the one or more cosmeticcompositions are dispensed into the output container.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising receiving information aboutpreferred characteristics of the composition dispensed into the outputcontainer including information on at least a preferred fragrance, andwherein the predetermined rules include allocating a set percentage ofthe total dispensed formulation to a booster cartridge for providing thepreferred fragrance.
 19. A system for providing a cosmetic compositionto a user, comprising: means for dispensing at least one cosmeticcomposition into a output container; means for receiving informationabout the user regarding a plurality of predetermined different types ofskin issues the user seeks to address regarding the skin of the user andpriority levels regarding the plurality of different types of skinissues the user seeks to address; and means for receiving theinformation about the user and determine one or more cosmeticcompositions to be dispensed into the output container based on theinformation about the user received at the user interface, the prioritylevels, and a predetermined set of rules for combining the one or morecosmetic compositions to address different combinations of thepredetermined different types of skin issues and to address differentcombinations of priority levels, wherein the means for dispensing isconfigured to hold a plurality of cartridges which contain a respectiveplurality of cosmetic compositions and the predetermined different typesof skin issues are automatically addressed based on a plurality ofdifferent predetermined combinations of set amounts of one or more ofthe cosmetic compositions, wherein when one of the different types ofskin issues is prioritized over other types of skin issues, a set amountof a cosmetic composition used to address the prioritized skin issue isautomatically multiplied by a factor that varies based on how many totaldifferent types of skin issues the user seeks to simultaneously address.